Friday, October 20, 2017

BOSTON – Touting the Commonwealth’s global innovation economy, world-class workforce and leading higher educational institutions, the Baker-Polito Administration today released Massachusetts’ statewide submission and proposal for hosting Amazon’s second North American headquarters, or Amazon HQ2.

The proposal, developed in consultation with Beacon Hill leadership, legislators, municipal officials and other key stakeholders in the Commonwealth’s business and academic communities, notes Massachusetts’ global connections, diverse geographic communities and regional strengths, with potential campus sites ranging from Boston and Worcester, to Quincy, Pittsfield, Lawrence and New Bedford.

“Massachusetts is a leading innovator and global community, with the nation’s top educational and research and development institutions and a talented workforce second to none,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Throughout this collaborative and bipartisan process, we have been committed to putting the Commonwealth’s best foot forward, and would welcome Amazon joining thousands of other public and private entities who are leveraging Massachusetts’ assets for our mutual growth and development.”

“From Worcester to Boston and across the Commonwealth, Massachusetts is a leading contender to welcome and host Amazon’s second North American headquarters, and the thousands of new individuals it will employ,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our strong cities and towns, great schools and STEM-educated workforce are among the best Amazon will find as it looks to expand its footprint.”

“As this bid clearly illustrates, Massachusetts has the history, talent, institutions, and locations available to be a leading contender for Amazon to build their second headquarters here. Amazon will benefit from our best in the nation education system, world class institutions, and innovative economy to continue to grow their business while contributing to the fabric of our state,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “Based on our track record of innovation and experience in creating new ideas, I am hopeful that the Massachusetts bid will be among the finalists.”

"With a highly educated, technology-friendly population, Massachusetts provides a talent pipeline that no other state can match,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “The House has built on this foundation with inventive programs like the Intern Partnership, MassCAN and STEM Starter Academy to prepare the innovators of tomorrow. We’ve paired this work with a legacy of fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship. This balance has resulted in a vibrant economy and a stable environment for business. I’m elated about the prospect of Amazon locating HQ2 in Massachusetts and am confident about our prospects."

Amazon already maintains a significant footprint in the Commonwealth, employing thousands at a number of locations, including Amazon Robotics in North Reading, fulfillment centers in Fall River and Stoughton, a research-and-development office in Cambridge, and a soon-to-be-opened office in Fort Point, Boston. The proposal outlines a broad array of financial programs already available in the Commonwealth to facilitate and spur private sector partnerships, investment and growth in Massachusetts’ communities.

“Amazon represents a transformative opportunity for Massachusetts – whether it chooses to locate in Boston, Worcester, Lawrence, New Bedford, Pittsfield, or somewhere in between,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Our proposal is a great story about a great state and I look forward to working with Amazon to find the right site for HQ2 here in the Commonwealth."

Amazon announced the RFP process for their new North American headquarters last month, expecting over $5 billion in construction and as many as 50,000 new employees, in addition to tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in other local investments. Massachusetts’ proposal was submitted on Thursday, October 19th.